Arjuna’s Mantra-Empowerment and the Pāṇḍavas’ Separation (Śiva-rūpa through Mantra)
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । इति दत्त्वा वरन्तस्य भारतस्य सुरेश्वरः । स्मरञ्छिवपदाम्भोजञ्जगाम भवनं स्वकम्
nandīśvara uvāca | iti dattvā varantasya bhāratasya sureśvaraḥ | smarañchivapadāmbhojañjagāma bhavanaṃ svakam
Nandīśvara said: “Thus, having granted that boon to Bharata, the Lord of the gods departed to His own abode, keeping in remembrance the lotus-feet of Lord Śiva.”
Nandīśvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
It teaches that even the king of the gods remains spiritually grounded by remembering Śiva’s lotus-feet; true authority and success are sanctified through Śiva-smaraṇa (devotional remembrance), which aligns the soul (paśu) toward the Lord (Pati).
Remembering Śiva’s ‘lotus-feet’ is a Saguna-bhakti expression—devotion to Śiva with attributes and sacred form. Such remembrance naturally supports Linga-worship, where the devotee fixes mind and reverence on Śiva as the supreme refuge.
Practice smaraṇa and japa: mentally contemplate Śiva’s sacred feet while repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” especially after completing any vow, charity, or worship—offering the fruit to Śiva.